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Maybe someone can help me out with this question. I know I will at least get some opinions. How do you discern a true Christian televangelist from a fraud. I'm seriously wondering about this. I have read so many negative articles about fakery etc.., Benny Hinn is just one example. Who is honest and who may not be??? And how do I decide when I am a relatively new Christian??? Thanks in advance!

Your safest bet for now may be to stay away from them all really.  Most of them come on Sundays when one should be in church anyhow.

THe same I guess in the end as to whether you are in a good church.  Do they line up with scripture or not?  Benny Hinn obviously does not.  The simple fact he has made ANY claims of prophecy and not a single one has come to pass shows him to be a fake.

I have seen once or twice David Jerimiah though, and has not said anything wrong yet.  I haven't really seen him enough to make a full judgment on that one yet.

Hi Moira!

You will tell them by their Fruits Darling!  Do they gather riches to themselves?  That's another way of telling a man of God or a fake.  Jesus told us NOT to gather up riches.  Do they show pride?  Are they dressed  in ornate uptodate fashions?  A true man of God carries the love of God within his heart.  He shows this in his speech and actions.  He does not crave audience. (Did Jesus all the time?)
Pray about this question Sweetheart.  It's a harsh world today and we need the Father to guide and keep us untouched by the world in order to survive the onslaughts on man.  Many people speak His Name in vain.
 In love...Tamara.

DITTO!

I'm not trying to sound totally idiotic, but I do have more questions. I have a friend who is Penetcostal Christian. She knows her Bible very well. She really walks the walk, if that's not too cliche. But she loves Creflo Dollar and Joyce Meyer. They are on every day; I know this because I was ill for 7 weeks with a bone infection and watced them early mornings as I did my IVs...anyhow...I like to hear the word of God, but I always wondered why Joyce Meyer never wears the same outfit twice, and why Creflo Dollar owns so much ! He has a web page where people ask him about that and he answers, but he explains it as he has real estate business that earns him a lot of money. He also says that people give him cars etc.., He also said on his program that he bought a couple a jet so they could fly to other countries to spread the gospel.  I heard him preach that God wants us to be wealthy...I'm too confused!!

I understand your confusion, but if you confused the safe thing to do is not watch them. But study the bible to show yourself approved. I have watched Joyce Meyer and Creflo and I just don't quite know what to tell you except to be safe, don't.  
  Your safest bet for now may be to stay away from them all really.  Most of them come on Sundays when one should be in church anyhow.

by saved_
THe same I guess in the end as to whether you are in a good church.  Do they line up with scripture or not?  Benny Hinn obviously does not.  The simple fact he has made ANY claims of prophecy and not a single one has come to pass shows him to be a fake.

I have seen once or twice David Jerimiah though, and has not said anything wrong yet.  I haven't really seen him enough to make a full judgment on that one yet.

I think saved_ is right on this. And I have not heard anything wrong with David Jerimiah yet either.

It is good to whatch so you can reconise who is fake and who is not.If we never seen a fake one,how would you know?EXAMPLE:(My Dad says,the wood stove is hot,but if i dont touch it do i really know?)Needless to say i touched it,and YES its hot,so i dont touch it anymore.Maybe you should whatch it so you know is all iam saying.Once you see it you wont wait to whatch it anymore,like me i dont want to touch the wood stove anymore!..lol
I whatch joel olsteen sunday nights at 11:00 pm.

I would have to strongly disagree with Jabez's comments of watching the televangelists so you know who the fake's are.

As a new Christian you need to be spending as much time as possible reading the Word of God. Read it and believe it. When the counterfeit comes you will know.

IMHO, I know of no televangelist that is worth watching.

Psalm 119

Are you sick of my questions yet?:)
I have to wonder, then, why so many long time Christians watch these people. I know people who know the Bible inside out and they watch these shows daily...Just wondering...

There is a differnce between televagilist and someone who just has their service played on TV.  As far as I have seen David Jerimiah just has his service played on TV.  Joyce Myer well.  This is another topic itself but she has no business being a preacher.  She should have stuck to womens bible study.

As for Creflo dollar, well his name says it all I think.  He's a hack and anyone who preaches Jesus wants you to be rich is a fool "For the love of money is the root of all evil".  Does that mean it's wrong to be rich or wealthy?  No, but most people are better off just getting by and doing the LORD's work.  I have heard of some admirable weathly men who have used their money and position to get God's word out.  There was/is a man who has al ot of money and holds what a lot of unsaved people want.  So whenever he has a dinner (which they all attend) he makes everyone listen to the word of God before eating along wit hof course grace.  Just an example.

Mr. Dollar only seems to preach about money.  I have flicked through his show tree times within a year and without a doubt he is preaching about money.  I'd guess if I came across it again it would be no different.

I won't go into the pentacostal thing either right now.  I will ask you this.  Have recieved Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior?  If so how and when?  Have you found a church home?

I'm only asking because I can try and direct you a little better this way.  We or at least I am not tiring of your questions.  You need to dig into the word of God and see what it says.  If you've been saved you will see that things start to come together rather well.  Also be in much prayer over everything.  You can't ever get enough prayer in.  Hope this helps you a bit.

PS about the being in church comment, if you are or were ill don't think I expect you to literally drag yourself to church.  I just know people who substitute TV for church.  Take my word for it, having a loving church family is not only biblical but quite edifiying.  I know I can count on my church famliy if I need them.  Being around the children of God is good for you in many ways.

I tend to relagate televangelists to the same category as those whom Christ chased out of the temple with flailings and beatings twice.  :)

Okay, so Charles Stanley, for example, would be okay to watch, or Robert Schuller, because they are televising an actual church service. Is that correct? Thank you for your answers:)

Just watch my show. It come on tomorrow night. It is all about how I am right, and everyone who disagrees is wrong. I call it “Fundie Monday”  ;D lol j/k

I only watch the pope when he comes on :)

Brother Love :)

Is it just me, or does that Bullitproof glass make him look like an action figure in a package? We wouldn't have that problem if he would just make the Vatican Knights like I told him too! ;D

I would stay away from all of them, actually I would run from them as fast as I could.  The only one I would actually watch is Charles Stanley.  

I agree

Brother Love :)

Benny Hinn cancelled his healing tour to Toronto because of SARS....

that pretty much sums up my opinion of him and most other televangelists

All the people of Toronto need to do is dail
1-900-BEN-HINN
The cost is only $1.00 per second, Benny said you will have your prayer answered within 4 hours.

 ;D ;D ;D

I was on for 5 hours, and I didnt get my answer, I spent $300.00. Maybe I try again, my faith may not have been strong enough :)

(http://www.geocities.com/adelaidegrace/cface_03.gif)

 :-\ Maybe it was your wallet. See? There's your answer to prayer - go out, get a better job with a bigger paycheck, and change your long distance phone service (like those telemarketers keep asking you to do anyway.) Its that simple.

Thanks for the good advice :)

Brother Love :)

I have to completely agree with Tamara on this one - we will know other Christians by their fruit.  I know a little about the "Benny Hinn" saga but I  feel that the media tends to blow things out of proportion, I mean we don't know the man personally and I think we need to be careful that we aren't judging him as only God can judge.

:) How very true! Only God knows his heart and motives!

I believe that he is pretending, or lying, or something, and while I would not condemn him myself, I am very comfortable not watching him.  :-[ Maybe he seeks publicity etc; in this he would certainly not be alone among Christians! We all fall short! But to watch him, and listen to him, might be damaging to other believers.

If he is truly "faking", or anything of the sort, and our hearts have been convicted of this, then we must not look to him as a spiritual leader. We may pray for him, though!  :)

I am one person here that knew Benny Hinn personally, back in the early 80's, when he was first starting out and way before he became a T.V. STARR.

Have A GRRRRREAT Day ;D

So what?  ::) I have Ken Ham's autograph, the guy from Answers in Genesis.

A4C how long did you know him?

I was in his club about one year. That was back when I spoke in tongues ;D but I know better now.

If we are going to openly despise, ridicule, insult, and hate one person, then we have openly despised, ridiculed, insulted, and hated ALL, including God himself....

sweet  ;D

Have I become your enemy because I tell you the TRUTH (Galatians 4:16)

You need to learn more about hate and love.

To which I add the Apostle Paul's stirring admonition: "See then that ye walk circumspectly (accurately), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is," (Ephesians 5:15-17).


Brother Love :)

Good point sir, except it is a lso true that you need to learn mopre about exactly What God says concerning Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Understanding the will of the Lord?

What exactly, is the true will of the Lord?

Love, for all, not some, or a few, BUT all, each and everyone, no matter how wicked they may seem to be, or even be, regardless of the manner of, or number of any sins they may have committed, no matter if they have sinned against us personally in a very extreme way, many many times, we are to love them, even as Christ Jesus Loved us (JESUS said that, not me).

AS for my understanding of the difference between Love and hate, Love is when we walk according to Gods word, and hate is when we don't, hate is when we take it upon ourselves to condemnn others falsely.

GAL 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

MT 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

MT 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

MT 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

MT 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

MT 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

While it may be true that soem televangelists have fallen into error from time to time, and while it may also be true that soem of these individuals have also chosen to walk in that error willingly, without intent to repent form their error, it is still not our duty, or our responsibility to post sarcastic, hateful, degrading remarks about these indidivuals on the world wide web.

Yes, it is true that we as sincere Christians MUST warn others to beware of the teachigns of those who teach false doctrines, and live in open sin, BUT God has not called us to ridicule others in a hateful manner as I have seen many times over in many Christiand message boards over the entire internet.

And even when we have the right to warn others to abstain from the teachers of false doctrines, may I ask this, which denomination truly has the correct doctrine?

Paul said to Timothy that ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I was once a Baptist, but, after studying the word of God fro myself, I came to the realization that the Baptists did not base their doctrine on ALL of Gods word, there were many points in the doctrine, whihc when compared to the rest of the word of God, fell down as an unprofitable teaching, BUT, after more study, of different denominations and their doctrines, I found this to also be true, of them all!

So, who is right and who is wrong?

God is right, and we are all trying to learn what God would have us to do, and the bottom line is, we all fail God, everyday, we all mess up, some of us mess up bigger messes than others do (I am glad none of you can see any of my mess ups!), and when we do mess up, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteousm, who is our advoctae whom we can go to by faith, and confess our mess ups and he is fauthful and just to forgive us our mess ups, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness....

Oh and By The way, who are we to say that the televangelists we have seen mess up, habven't gone to God and confessed their mess ups....

Love them anyway.....

Amen, Brother!
"Be gentle as doves - and wise as serpents."

Well then if we are going to pass judgment on televangelists, and condemn the individuals AND their ministries, then it is right that we pass judgment on, and condmen eacgh and every one becuase they are all corrupt, IF we judge fairly.

They're all basically doing the exact same things, the only difference is the ones you people want to condemn are NOT a part of your denominatiopn, so they are hells heathens as far as you are concerned.

My view on the whole matter is this, what kind of witness are you being to the unsaved who come to view these forums?

To be perfectly honest, if I were NOt a christian, and I came to most of the Christian discussion forums and read some of the hatemongering remarks, and sarcastic insults directed toward certain Televangelists, I wouldn't wnat to have anything to do with Christianity, becuase all you ever see is hate, hate, hate..

Brother Love says I should learn the difference between love and hate? No Brother Love ought to learn what Judge not lest ye be judged means.  Brother love should prayerfully study galatains 6 verse 1 and then  each and every person who has decided God has appointed them to be judge, jury and executioner, over the TRUE, and sincere men and women of God they don't agree with, should repent, and start LOVING their Christian brothers and sisters sincerely as the word of God says we all should...
I won't argue the point, I am certain it ios correct to warn others when someone is in error, BUT that is all, it is NOT yours, or my duty to scandalize, insult, degrade, or debase another individual, no matter how bad that person has ever messed up.

Welcome back James

Grace & Peace

Your "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED" Friend

Well Hey There, Hi There, and A Good and Hearty, Howdy Doody There, to you as well!

Your "Full Gospel All the Way, And No Other Way" Friend!

 ;D

I agree.

Your friend and brother

The Crusader

<:)))><

Creflo Dollar has two Rolls-Royce;s (which he tells his congregation were given to him --  the church purchased the first one for him). He flies in a $5 million private jet to his speaking engagements in the US to Europe (the church also owns a Gates Learjet. Estimated value: $985,000). Dollar met his wife at West Georgia College in Carrollton and graduated in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in education. They have five children, three girls and two boys. He lives in a $1 million home behind iron gates in an upscale Atlanta neighborhood and owns another worth $1.27 million). The church has amassed a fortune in real estate, mostly in College Park. Like other word faith teachers Dollar is often accompanied by bodyguards in public.

 ;D

What a guy.  ::)

When we get any extra cash in my church - we build another house in for a family in Ensenada to get them out of a cardboard & mud hut...

Dude!  You have a show too?  I have one on Saturday Nights, where we do alot of in-house debates.  I call it "Mass Confusion"   ;D *L* Sorry.  Had to say it, man... ;)

Ha-ha.  You funny guy.  Ha-ha!  :D

hehehee  :D

Revelation 20:12.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
 13.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
 14.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
 15.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

They have their reward.

God's will be done!

Last time I saw Robert Schuller, [yrs.ago] he was teaching on prosperity. I agree, that one should be in thier home Church on Sunday.
I do listen to Christian radio programs during the wk. which features ones like David Jeremiah, Charles Stanley and others. As you stay in His Word, you'll begin to see more and more..always test everything with His Word.. :)  

Sheesh!!!  I thought we'd seen the last of this when Robert Tilton and Larry Lea both got kicked to the curb after being exposed on a certain "TV Newsmagazine"  

Sheesh!!!  I thought we'd seen the last of this when Robert Tilton and Larry Lea both got kicked to the curb after being exposed on a certain "TV Newsmagazine"

 ;D

<:)))><

It definitely sounds like you have a hunger and a thirst to not only get to know our Lord and Savior, but to make sure you are not mislead by anyone whether they are televangelists or those who seem to know the Bible inside or out.  Billy Graham's daughter, whose name is Anne Lotz, wrote a book called "Just give me Jesus". In that book she talks about her mother was talking to the former head of Scotland Yard, who made a statement that he learned to tell forgeries, and counterfeits by studying the genuine thing. That way he could tell a counterfeit immediately.  The point she was trying to make is quite clear.  I remember when the present pope was first elected years ago, he urged all to get to know Jesus.
For the past thirty years or so, there has been a tremendous drive by most denominations to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all peoples in every corner of the earth. Satan hates this and will do anything to twist the truth just enough to make it seem like it is the real thing.  You have been given a seed, and that seed wants to grow.  Its kinda like the mustard seed Jesus speaks about in one of his parables. Like any seed, there are three factors that affect its growth as well as how well it grows.  Light is one of them.  Open the Bible, there is enough light there to light up every galaxy in the entire universe.  Water is another factor.  Jesus spoke about the living waters to a samaritan woman at the well of Jacob.  All the words in the Bible hold the living waters of Jesus Christ.  Good fertile soil is the third factor.  Think about the parable of the sower who sowed seed in rocky ground, amoung briars and thorns, and in fertile ground.  Get yourself planted in a good Bible believing Church.  Get planted in a Bible study with a group at that Church.  I use to have to weed the garden as a child, and I tell you, that is hard work.  So isn't this.  It is going to be hard work for you, but do not get disappointed.  In time you will be able to discern who is speaking the truth from those who twist the truth just a little bit and therefore make that whole truth a forgerie by that one twist. Trust and have faith in Jesus Christ.  He will send his Holy Spirit to help you and teach you as well.  Be patient and realize that God is not going to give you all the answers in one day, week or year.  Our entire hope, trust and faith is built up on what Jesus Christ, God's only Son taught us.  He is the Way, Truth and Light, the Bread of Life, and my Savior.
I am saved only by the Grace of God, and through his Son Jesus.  Get to know him completely so that you will be able to discern what is true and know a forgery when you see one.  God Bless you in your struggles, keep up the good work and Smile......God Loves YOU.  Don't take my words I speak as being the whole truth.  Take those spoken in the Holy Scriptures and Pray often.  

 I like watching Perry Stone on tv program called DayStar Perry seems to be well rounded in his studies of the bible and jewish feast and prophecies and etc.

Michael

I still enjoy the Benny Hinn Show ;D


<:)))><

There have been many independent studies by non-christians into church history.  The oldest church and the one that comes the closest, in today's society, to teach as it was taught from Jesus and the Bible is the "Orthodox Church".  Everything they do and teach is based on the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ.  "Traditions" are followed and explained.  There are no secrets in this church and it is not ruled by a a few.  

It is not easy to be an Orthodox Christian.  The road is narrow but based on the Bible not human desires or human ideas.

As for the folks on tv who teach the word as they see it.  Well I have listened and I have learned alot.  But I was based in the Orthodox Church which gave the ability to sort through the televangelists teachings.  I did drift from the church for a number of years and watched these broadcasts for several years.  What I learned the most was to go back to the Orthodox Church.

As for the person who stated money was the root of all evil....  well I disagree.  It is the "Love of money" not the money.  I have been blessed several times with sums of money.  I once sent in a prayer request for $90,000 so pay off all my bills (to one of the televangelists) and after a month or so I figured there was no way.  Well about a year later I first received a check for $70,000 and 3 months later a check for $20,000.  Several months ago I needed cash and here comes another check for $12,000.  Last month I received another check for $30,000.  Now with all that came alot of responsibility.  For those whom I told it had to be known it was an answer to prayer.  I had to give back to God what was his.  I also have to have a ton of faith.  I know God will provide for me and my family all my days.  But He is my Father in Heaven and He does take care of his Children.  I am still not debt free.  That is my fault not Gods.  I am still learning.  

My biggest lesson:  All things belong to God.  I own nothing.  It is all His.  So..........  when the washer breaks I ask Him why he wants a broken washer.  Makes me smile.  Oh, by the way, I have a new washer.  Thank you Jesus!

I also like the Kenneth Copeland SHOW ;D :) ;D :)



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 I enjoy listening to Tony Evans on the radio and RC Sproul and Ravi Zacharias online or on the radio.

Michael

Check The Time:

To day is the day of salvation
and now is a good time to be saved.

Acts 16:30-31 "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved."


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"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [refute] the gainsayers."
-- Titus 1:9


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